The final game in the Gibsons Midget AA all-star season epitomized what this team is really about.
With eight regulars and Bantam sensation Taylor Hanchar in the line-up, the Dodgers pushed the top ranked Vancouver Mounties into extra innings, narrowly missing a berth into the provincials.
The tense game began with crushing hits from Jason Chung and Greg Kelley, putting the Dodgers ahead early on.
With Nick Mercer pitching and Grady Benner catching, Vancouver hitters and base runners were severely limited. As the game progressed, clutch hits from Thomas Scarr, Chris and Taylor pushed the Dodgers further into the lead. Amazing defensive plays from James Duff and Zach Ruggles kept Gibsons up 6-3 going into the final inning. However, Vancouver managed to advance three runs to tie the game.
The Mounties brought in reliever after reliever to quell the Gibsons offence. Moving into the eighth inning, Vancouver scored three runs to go ahead 9-6. In the Dodgers last at bats the boys battled through exhaustion to push in three runs until the third and final out - a heartbreaking 9-8 loss.
Regardless, coaches and parents were extremely proud of the boys' herculean efforts. "Although a loss, this was by far their best game of the season.
Special recognition goes to team leader Zach Ruggles," said coach Brian Scarr. "He was the foundation of this team game in and game out and will be sorely missed next year."
The Dodgers ended with a 4-6 record. Provincials weren't in the cards this season. However, with 11 of the 12 players eligible to return next year, and eight eligible for two more seasons, the future looks bright for this stellar group of players, Scarr said.
-Submitted
